Scientific Name: Banksia Robur
Common Name: Broad-Leaved Banksia / Swamp Banksia
Maroochy Name: Badderam (Petrie, 1904)
Indigenous Use
Nectar sucked or blossoms soaked in water.
When to Use
The flowering period is mainly from autumn to spring, with peak flowering occurring from March to September (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Banksia robur are large, broad, and leathery, typically measuring 10-30 cm in length and 2-6 cm in width. They are dark green with a glossy upper surface and a paler, almost white underside. The edges of the leaves are often serrated, with prominent veins (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Bark: The bark is grey and relatively smooth, becoming slightly rougher with age. It can develop shallow fissures as the plant matures (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: Banksia robur produces large, cylindrical flower spikes that are typically greenish-yellow to golden brown. These flower spikes can be up to 20 cm long and are made up of hundreds of tiny individual flowers. (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Cones: After flowering, the tree produces woody cones that contain seeds. These cones are an essential feature of Banksia species, often remaining on the tree for several years. The seeds are released from the cones following exposure to fire or extreme heat, a natural adaptation to the Australian bushfire-prone environment (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Freshwater Wetlands: Freshwater wetlands are ecosystems where freshwater accumulates in substantial quantities, creating habitats that support diverse plant and animal life. These wetlands can even occur in sand dunes, although those situated above the water table tend to dry out more frequently. Common vegetation in these wetlands includes reeds, sedges, and water lilies, as well as trees like Melaleuca (paperbark) and swamp box. Notable examples of extensive freshwater wetlands in South East Queensland include the Cooloola Wetlands, Pimpama Conservation Park, and Springbrook Plateau. These areas are vital for biodiversity, water purification, and flood control.
Coastal Heaths: Coastal heath habitats have in common sandy soil low in nutrients, a low pH (between 3.5 and 6.5), and a constant supply of moisture. They are characterised by their low-growing, dense vegetation, adapted to sandy soils and frequent fires. Common plants in these areas are grasstrees and banksias. These ecosystems can be found in well-known areas such as Cooloola, Bribie Island, and Noosa National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024. Banksia robur. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/banksia-robur.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), 2023. Banksia robur (Swamp Banksia). [online] Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2917316 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian Native Plants Society, 2024. Banksia robur. [online] Available at: http://anpsa.org.au/b-robur.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Petrie, Constance, Tom Petrie’s Reminiscences of Early Queensland. Angus and Robertson, 1975, (facsmile of 1904 edition)
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.